The districts of Schwabing, Maxvorstadt and Englischer Garten form Munich's most versatile area. They are home to theaters, various museums and galleries, several univerities, one of the world's largest urban parks, restaurants, bars, and clubs to satisfy the needs of 100,000 students, and shops that cater to those with money to burn. In everyday speech, locals and visitors alike speak of the whole area as Schwabing (and most of them don't even know there is a segmentation). The area is roughly bounded by the Isar river to the east, Frankfurter Ring to the north, Schleißheimer Straße to the west, and Marsstraße and Prinzregentenstraße to the south. Schwabing's neighboring areas are (clockwise, beginning in the east) Bogenhausen, the City Center, Neuhausen-Nymphenburg, the Olympic area, and Northern Munich.

Understand

Schwabing

Schwabing was founded in the 8th century as a small hamlet and therefore is much older than Munich itseld, which was founded in the 12th century. It was incorporated in the city of Munich in 1890. In the 19th and 20th century, Schwabing reached its zenith of cultural importance. Many famous litterateurs and painters, like Bertholt Brecht, Lion Feuchtwanger, Erich Kästner, Thomas Mann, Rainer Maria Rilke, Wassily Kandinsky, and Franz Marc, to name only a few, were living or working in the district. Lenin also spend some years in Munich.

Schwabing was also location of the Schwabing riots in 1962, the overture of the student revolt in Germany in the late 1960s.

Today, Schwabing presents itself as a residential and students area, with a large number of restaurants and bars, that mostly cater to students or those with a pocket full of cash.

Maxvorstadt

The Maxvorstadt was developed as a planned commnunity in 1805-1810 by King Maximilian I Joseph and was built from 1825 on to extend the city of Munich to the north. The rectangular street grid is enframed by the north-south parallels Leopoldstraße and Schleißheimer Straße, and the east-west parallels Brienner Straße and Georgenstraße.

The district comprises the southern part of the greater Schwabing area with a remarkable high number of cultural and educational institutions such as univerities, museums and galleries. Because of the high number of universities (seven) and students (more than 100,000), the population of the Maxvorstadt quadruples during daytime and therefore is a typical students' quarter. Many famous persons, like Thomas Mann, Joseph Ratzinger, and Adolf Hitler were living here.

There are also many places with connection to the Third Reich era in the Maxvorstadt.

Englischer Garten

The Englischer Garten (German for English Garden) is a large public urban park, created in 1789-1792. With an area of 370 ha (910 acres) it is bigger than New York's Central Park or London's Hyde Park. It is designed as a informal landscape park, which was popular in the late 18th century. Following the style, the English Garden has a number of eye-catchers like temples, a teahouse, pavilions, and a pagoda, but the main features still are meadows, a gently rolling terrain, ponds, and a forest background. Since the 1966 the English Garden is devided into a southern and northern part by the Mittlerer Ring expressway.

On days with fine weather Munich's English Garden nowadays is the main meeting point of the locals (and especially the students of the nearby universities) to sunbath, relax, and have a beer or two. Vast open meadows, nearly 80 km (50 mi) of biking trails, hiking trails, and bridleways make it a perfect place for any kind of sports activity. During summertime it is also the venue of makeshift concerts and gratis performances.

Get in

By car

There are next to no signs indicating the areas within Munich. Coming from autobahn A 9 in the north or autobahn A 8 in the west, just follow the signs to the city center and you will automatically get to the Schwabing area.

The main arteries serving the Schwabing area in north-south direction are Ludwigstraße and Leopoldstraße in the east of the district, and to a lesser degree Schleißheimerstraße in the west. The main connections between those are Mittlerer Ring (circular expressway around the extended center of Munich) in the north and the one-way streets Gabelsbergerstraße in western direction and Theresienstraße in eastern direction in the south. However, it is definitely not advisable to go to the Schwabing area by car. Though there is not too much traffic outside rush-hours, parking is very limited and usually only allowed for residents of the surrounding blocks.

By subway (U-Bahn)

Subway lines U1 (dark green) and U7 (gold) run from Munich Central Station and stop at Stiglmaierplatz in the south-western corner of Schwabing.

Subway line U2 (red) runs from Munich Central Station in northern direction and serves several stops, including Königsplatz. It covers the western part of the district.

Subway lines U3 (orange) and U6 (blue) run from Marienplatz and follow Ludwig-/Leopoldstraße to serve the eastern part of Schwabing. Stops include Odeonsplatz, Universität (for the University of Munich LMU and Englischer Garten), and Münchner Freiheit. At Münchner Freiheit the U3 branches off to the west to stop at Petuelring in north-western Schwabing and proceed to the Olympic area, while the U6 continues in northern direction to Fröttmanning (for the Allianz Arena soccer stadium and a huge park-and-ride parking garage).

By tram

Tram line 18 runs along the eastern edge of Englischer Garten and stops at Nationalmuseum/Haus der Kunst and Tivolistraße.

Tram lines 20, 21, and 22 run from Munich Central Station along Dachauer Straße with several stops in south-western Schwabing, inlcuding Stiglmaierplatz.

Tram lines 27 and 28 run from Karsplatz (Stachus) through Schwabing from south to north with a large number of stops along Barerstraße, Nordendstraße and Hohenzollernstraße, including Pinakotheken.

By bus

Bus 100 (Museenlinie), with stops at all the museums in Schwabing, runs from Munich Central Station to Munich East.

By bicycle

As Schwabing is very bike-friendly, with bikeways along every larger street, and generally not too much traffic going by bike is probably the fastest way to get to the area. There are a plethora of bike rentals around the city.

On foot

Given that the area is rather centrally located just north of the city center, it is extremely accessible by foot. From Marienplatz, just walk north for a few minutes and you will get to Odeonsplatz on the southern edge of the Schwabing area.

Get around

Given the area's north-south extent of approx. 5 km (3 mi) the best way for the not too sporty traveler to get around in the area are Tram lines 27 & 28, which run along the center of the Schwabing area in north-south direction, with several stops along the way. Tram line 23 runs in the very north and serves the rather residential neighborhoods there. For travellers, who seeks independence from public transportation and are keen to explore the area on their own, renting a bicycle is the best idea - there are a plethora of bike rentals around the city and there are bike lanes along every larger street.

See

Museums and galleries

Antikensammlung (State Collections of Antiques), Königsplatz 1/1a (Subway U2: ''Königsplatz''), ☎+49 89 59988830, [1]. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, W 10:00-20:00, closed on Mondays and major holidays. Ludwig I and his architect Leo von Klenze built a large square, Königsplatz, in classical style, including the Antikensammlung. Formerly an exhibition venue (for the first 60-plus years of its life), then a museum of modern art, the Antikensammlung swung back in the exact opposite direction by the 1960s. At that time, the building was restored to hold Ludwig I's vast collection of Greek and Roman antiquities. It has the largest Greek and Etruscan vase collection in the world after the British Museum and the Louvre. Facing the classical arch (Propyläen), the Antikensammlung is on the left and the Glyptothek is on the right.Adults: €3.50, Concessions: €2.50, Sundays: €1.

A masterpiece of Greek sculpture in the Glyptothek

Glyptothek, Königsplatz 3 (Subway U2: ''Königsplatz''), ☎+49 89 286100, [2]. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, Th 10:00-20:00, closed on Mondays and major holidays. Another of King Ludwig's large collections is contained in the Glyptothek: one of the greatest Greek and Roman sculpture collections in all of Germany. The collection is based around a core of sculptures, the Aeginetes, excavated by English and German explorers at the island temple on Aegina early in the nineteenth century. It was built by imperial architect Leo von Klenze for the King and completed in 1830. Though almost entirely destroyed in World War II, the museum was heavily renovated and opened again to the public in 1972. There also is a very nice cafe located here that extends to the lovely courtyard, weather permitting.Adults: €3.50, Concessions: €2.50, Sundays: €1.

Haus der Kunst (House of Art), Prinzregentenstraße 1 (Tram 18: ''Nationalmuseum/ Haus der Kunst''), ☎+49 89 21127113, [3]. Daily 10:00-20:00, Th 10:00-22:00. Haus der Kunst is located at the southern end of English Garden. Opened in 1937 as the Third Reich's first monumetal structure, the building's original designation was to showcase what was supposed to be the finest German art. After World War II the building housed the collection of modern arts until 2002, when it moved to Pinakotehk der Moderne. While having no collection of its own, Haus der Kunst is a venue for temporary and traveling exhibitions.Dependent on the exhibtion.

Lenbachhaus, Luisenstraße 33 (Subway U2: ''Königsplatz''), ☎+49 89 23332000, [4]. F-Su 10:00-18:00. The main building is closed due to construction works until May 2013; the underground gallery is open though.. A very important stop for Expressionist art lovers, this impressive collection in the former villa of Munich aristocracy includes numerous famous examples of the artistic group known as Der Blaue Reiter ('The Blue Rider'). A must see if you have time in the museum district, this gem is located just across the street to the left of the Glyptothek (Königsplatz). Across the street, there is an underground gallery (entrance through the underground station across the street) that often exhibits seldom seen works by renowned names. Make sure to see the outdoor exhibits that are found on the lots facing the Propyläen. The main building is closed due to construction works until May 2013; the underground gallery is open though.Adults: €8, Concessions: €4.

Alte Pinakothek, Barer Straße 27 (Tram 27: ''Pinakotheken''), ☎+49 89 23805216, [6]. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00, Tu 10:00-20:00, closed on Mondays and major holidays. Contains hundreds of great European masterworks dating from the fourteenth to the eighteenth centuries, including the largest Rubens collection in the world. The Alte Pinakothek recently underwent a major four-year closing and renovation, but now has reopened again.Adults: €7, Concessions: €5, Sundays: €1.

Neue Pinakothek, Barer Straße 29 (Tram 27: ''Pinakotheken''), ☎+49 89 23805195, [7]. W-M: 10:00-18:00, W 10:00-20:00, closed on Tuesdays and major holidays. The Neue Pinakothek's collection includes 19th European paintings and sculptures, and has also been recently renovated. Perhaps the most popular of the Pinakotheks, there is also a very nice cafe here.Adults: €7, Concessions: €5, Sundays: €1.

Pinakothek der Moderne, Barer Straße 40 (Tram 27: ''Pinakotheken''), ☎+49 89 23805360, [8]. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00, Tu 10:00-20:00, closed on Mondays and major holidays.. Features 20th and 21st century art. Go there if you're interested in frighteningly modern art. The building's architecture is quite interesting. If the exhibition is too modern for your tastes, the other two Pinakotheken are just across the street. Due to major construction works the Pinakothek der Moderne will be closed from February 2013 until September 2013.Adults: €10, Concessions: €7, Sundays: €1.

Parks and monuments

Alter Botanischer Garten (Old Botanic Garden), Sophienstraße (Subway U1, U2, U4, U5, U7: ''Munich Central Station''). In 1804-1814 originally built to be a botanical garden, Old Botanic Garden was rearanged to serve as a park in 1914. It used to be the site of the Glass Palace (Glaspalast) from its construction in 1854 until this exheibiton center burned down in 1931. Today, the main objects of interest are a clssicistic gate and the Founatin of Neptun (Neptunbrunnen).

Northern English Garden (Nördlicher Englischer Garten), (Subway U6: ''Dietlindenstraße'' & ''Studentenstadt''), [10]. At over twice the size of New York's Central Park and dating back to 1789, the Englischer Garten begins at the very center of Munich just north of the Residenz museum and Odeonsplatz, and continues north just over 5 km. The park is divided into two distinct sections by the circular city expressway called Mittlerer Ring. The northern half of the park is connected to the southern section by a pedestrian bridge close to the Hirschau beer garden. Whereas the southern section is graced with open meadows and is densely populated, this section has a quieter, rural feel, with forest lots interspersed with fields graced with beautiful wildflowers in summer. You may even come across a herd of sheep, watched over by a shepherd in traditional clothing and his German shepherd dogs. Quiet streams run through the park, as well as many bicycle and pedestrian trails. Indeed, the very best way to see this park is to rent a bicycle and explore. This is also the best way to reach the Aumeister beer garden in the very north of the park.

Chinesischer Turm is one of the main landmarks of Englischer Garten.

Southern English Garden (Südlicher Englischer Garten), (Subway U3 & U6: ''Odeonsplatz'' & ''Universität''), [11]. The southern section starts near Odeonsplatz and the Residenz museum, and extends north along the students' quarter of Schwabing. More populated than the northern section, a surprisingly high number of people utilize their lunch break to lay in the sun in the Garden. Here you'll see all kinds of activity, such as joggers, cyclists, strollers, skateboard and roller blades, riders on horseback, even surfboarders in wet suits taking advantage of currents under a bridge. Tourists are generally amused - or scandalized - by nude sunbathers, who may be encountered in any quiet section of the park on a warm day, but tend to congregate in the "official" area beside a small tributary of the Isar river that runs through the park. The Chinesischer Turm beer garden is located at the center of this part of Englischer Garten. The southern half of the park is connected to the northern section by a pedestrian bridge beside the Seehaus beer garden. At most times you can see a bunch of people trying to surf on the Eisbach near Haus der Kunst at the very southern tip of the Garden.

Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower), (Subway U3 & U6: ''Münchner Freiheit''). The Chinese Tower in the center of the English Garden is a 25 m (82 ft) high pagoda with several stories, constructed in 1789 to 1790, and rebuilt after World War II in 1952. Nowadays, it is surrounded by a beer garden and a Bavarian oompah band is performing on the 2nd story during its opening hours.

Monopteros, (Subway U3 & U6: ''Universität''). The Monopteros is a small neo-classical greek temple on a hilltop, built in 1836 in the English Garden. It provides a great few over the park and Munich with the Bavarian Alps in the background.

Memorial for Georg Elser (8. November 1939), Georg-Elser-Platz (Subways U3 & U6: ''Universität''). This is a light installation in honor of Georg Elser, who tried to assassinate Adolf Hitler at 8 Nov 1939 during a speach at Bürgerbräukeller. However, this attempt on Hitler's life, that might have changed history significantly failed, because Hitler was lucky and left the venue 10 min early.

Obelisk at Karolinenplatz, (Tram 27 & 28: ''Karolinenplatz''). The obelisk stands at the center of circular Karolinenplatz square. Due to its location at the intersection of three wide road axis, it is visible from afar. It was errected in 1833 in commemoration of the soldiers, who were killed participating in the Napoleonic invasion of Russia in 1812.

Königsplatz, Königsplatz (Subway U2: ''Königsplatz''). The Königsplatz is a wide open square, surrounded by European classicist buildings. Planned as the "Athens on the Isar", it was originally framed on three sides by the Doric Propylaea (Propyläen), the Ionic Glyphothek, and the Antikensammlung. During the Third Reich in Germany several structures were added on the once open side of the square, some of which still exist today.

Ludwigskirche (Catholic Parish and University Church St. Louis), Ludwigstraße 20 (Subway U3 & U6: ''Universität''), [13]. Daily 08:00-20:00 (no sightseeing during services); services (Catholic): M-F 19:00, Sa 18:00, Su 10:00 & 11:30 & 19:00. Ludwigskirche is located across the street from the main building of the University of Munich. It is a monumental church in neo-romanesque style, which features the second largest altar fresco of the world.free of charge.

Maximilianplatz & Lenbachplatz, Maximilainplatz (Subway U3, U4, U5, U6: ''Odeonsplatz''). These squares were built at the beginning of the 19th century at a place, where the northern city fortifications used to be. The main sights today are the Wittelsbacherbrunnen (fountain), the New Stock Exchange (Neue Börse) of 1901 and the House of Artists (Künstlerhaus).

Nordfriedhof (Northern Cemetery), Ungererstraße 130 (Subway U6: ''Nordfriedhof''), [14]. Nov-Feb 08:00-17:00, Mar 08:00-18:00, Apr-Aug 08:00-20:00, Sep-Oct 08:00-19:00. >Nordfriedhof is known for its many formerly famous patrons like Johannes "Jopi" Heesters, its impressive funeral home and morgue, and a so called grove of honor for the victims of the World War II allied air raids.free of charge.

Odeonsplatz, Odeonsplatz (Subway U3 & U6: ''Odeonsplatz''). The Odeonsplatz is a square at the southern end of the wide Ludwigstraße boulevard and northern beginning of the historic city center. It comprises the Italian high-Baroque style Theatine Church (Theatinerkirche) to the east, the Field Marshals' Hall (Feldherrnhalle) to the south, and the Munich Residence (Münchner Residenz) to the east of the square.

Richard-Wagner-Straße, Richard-Wagner-Straße (Subway U2: ''Königsplatz''). Richard-Wagner-Straße is one of the few streets in Munich, which were left nearly unharmed by Allied bombing during World War II. The houses along the street were built between 1896 and 1901 in the then hip style of historicism.

Siegestor & Geschwister-Scholl-Platz, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz (Subway U3 & U6: ''Universität''). The Siegestor, a triumphal arch originally dedicated to the glory of the Bavarian army, stands at the northern end of the Ludwigstraße boulevard. Heavily damaged during World War II, it was reconstructed as a reminder to peace. Just south of the arch is the Geschwister-Scholl-Platz, a square named after the founders of a resistance movement during World War II. The circular plaza, with two large fountains in its center, is surrounded by the buildings of the main campus of the University of Munich (LMU).

St. Benno (St. Benno's Church), Ferdinand-Miller-Platz 1 (Tram 20, 21, 22: ''Hochschule München''), [15]. No sightseeing during services; services (Catholic): Tu,W,F 08:00, Th 18:30, Su 10:00. Constructed at the end of the 19th century, St. Benno is one of most perfect examples of a neo-romanesque sacral building.free of charge.

Do

Bicycling. Why not go for a bike ride or guided bike tour and explore Munich from the seat of a bicycle? Englischer Garten and the whole of Munich is lined with bike trails. Some bike tour operators offer guided bike tours of Munich, which take you through the Englischer Garten. Some of these tours will stop at a beer garden for a break.

Dancing at ''Kocherlball'', Chinese Tower in the English Garden (ubway U3 & U6: ''Münchner Freiheit''), [16]. 21 Jul 2013, 06:00-10:00. Each year on one early morning in July, young people gather at the Chinese Tower in the English Garden to perform a Bavarian folk dance. And the best thing is: everbody can participate. Originally a dance for servants and house maids, the event was revived in 1989 for the bicentennial of the English Garden. An insider tip for the first years, the Kocherlball today attracts up 15,000 participants and spectators.free of charge.

Münchner Volkstheater (Volkstheater), Brienner Straße 50 (Subway U1: ''Stiglmaierplatz''), ☎+49 89 52346 55, [17]. Why not jumping in at the deep end and trying to learn German the hard way - watching a play. The Volkstheater is different from other Munich theaters inasmuch as the directors tend to produce classical plays in a very modern (sometimes shocking) way.Adults: €13-€34, Concessions: €8.

Surfing on the Eisbach, near ''Haus der Kunst'' (Subways U4 & U5: ''Lehel''; Tram 18: ''Nationalmuseum/Haus der Kunst''). Who needs the ocean or a beach when you can surf in the Englischer Garten? Near Haus der Kunst, the Eisbach creates a standing wave. During the summer time, there are always a lot of surfers at this spot. As the wave is not created intentionally, there is no possibility to rent surfboards. The location is on the north side of Prinzregentenstraße at the intersection with Bruderstraße.

Christmas fairs (Christkindlmarkt)

Christmas fair at the Chinese Tower (Weihnachtsmarkt am Chinesischen Turm), Englischer Garten (Subway U3 & U6: ''Münchner Freiheit''), ☎+49 89 38387320, [18]. Beginning of December until Chrismas Eve: M-F 12:00-20:30, Sa-Su 11:00-20:30. The Christmas fair at the heart of the English Garden is probably the most romantic of Munich's Christkindlmärkte.

Medieval Christmas fair (Mittelalterlicher Christkindlmarkt), Brienner Straße 6-10 (Subway U3, U4, U5, U6: ''Odeonsplatz''), [19]. End of November until Chrismas Eve: Daily 11:00-20:00. The Medieval Christmas Fair at Wittelsbacher Platz is a very special Christkindlmarkt. Here you can buy medieval food and see performences while getting up your Christmas spirit - and drunk on mulled wine.Mulled wine (''Glühwein''): €5.

Schwabing Christmas fair (Schwabinger Weihnachtsmarkt), Münchner Freiheit (Subway U3 & U6: ''Münchner Freiheit''), [20]. End of November until Chrismas Eve: M-F 12:00-20:30, Sa-Su 11:00-20:30. Schwabing Christmas Fair is a rather artistic Christkindlmarkt at Münchner Freiheit. Enjoy some mulled wine while browsing the market for some art or admiring the elaborate architecture of the newly built tram terminal at the square.

Buy

The Munich Readery, Augustenstraße 104 (Subway U2: ''Theresienstraße''), ☎+49 89 12192403, [22]. M-F 11:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-18:00. The store is the largest second hand book shop for Englsih books in Germany.

Quittenbaum Art Auctions, Theresienstraße 60 (Tram 27 & 28: ''Pinakotheken''), ☎+49 89 273702125, [23]. If you want to have some fine art for yourself, or you are just interested in feeling the atmosphere of auctions, that regularly exceed €100,000, you should visit this auctioneer.

Words' Worth, Schellingstraße 3 (Subways U3 & U6: ''Universität''), ☎+49 89 2809141, [24]. M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-16:00. When it's time for you to leave Munich and you still need something to pass the time on the road, this English book store offers a huge selection of fiction and non-ficton.

Eat

Alter Simpl (German), Türkenstraße 57 (Subway U3/U6: ''Universität''), ☎+49 89 2723083, [25]. M-Th 11:00-03:00, F-Su 11:00-04:00. The Alter Simpl is a traditional restaurant not far from the university. During the early 20th century it used to be one of the main meeting points of Munich's artistic community. Since then its significance declined, but it is still a nice place to grab some decently priced food, some beers and have a chat. Food is served until one hour before closing time.

Atzinger (German), Schellingstraße 9 (Subway U3/U6: ''Universität''), ☎+49 89 282880, [26]. Daily 09:00-01:00. A Bavarian-style restaurant, where you can get traditional food as well as your standart burgers and fries. It was renovated and reopend in 2008. Located just across the street from the University of Munich (LMU) it attracts a lot of students and has an according atmosphere and prices.

Café Vorhoelzer Forum, Arcisstraße 21 (Top floor of the Technical University of Munich), [28]. M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-19:00, Su 10:00-20:00. The café is located at the top floor of the TUM's main building, with canvas chairs and live dee-jaying at some afternoons on the big rooftop outdoor area. On a clear day you have a great panorama of Munich with the Bavarian Alps in the background. In combination with the student-friendly prices, it's a perfect place to hang out on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Garbo (Italian), Kaiserstraße 67 (Tram 27 & 28: ''Kurfürstenplatz''), ☎+49 89 349359, [29]. Su-W 11:00-01:00, Th-Sa 11:00-02:00. A cozy restaurant with a real Italian flair and very polite and attentive service personal. The pizzas (prepared in a wood stove) will make you feel as if you actually were in Italy.Pizza €9.50, Pasta €9.

Il Mulino (Italian), Görrestraße 1 (Subway U2: ''Josephsplatz''), ☎+49 89 5233335, [30]. Daily 11:30-00:00. In this cozy Italian place is one of the favorite restaurants of the residents of the neiborhood and students of the nearby universities alike, due to the good value for money. The chef focuses on pizza, pasta and grilled fish dishes.Pizza €8.50, Pasta €8.

Lara44 (Turkish), Schellingstraße 44 (Tram 27 & 28: ''Schellingstraße''), ☎+49 89 23717416, [31]. M-Sa 10:00-20:00, Closed on Sundays. A nice Turkish restaurant, where you can get authentic Turkish dishes for a fair price as well as your standart Kebab to go, which tastes slightly different here because of their special secret Kebab sauce.Kebab €3.50.

Nam Nam (Thai), Amalienstraße 25 (Subways U3 & U6: ''Universität''), ☎+49 89 28755875, [32]. Daily 10:00-01:00. The Thai restaurant, maybe the best in Munich, is housed in a former drug den. The most obvious decoration item in the restaurant is a original Thai tuk-tuk, otherwise the interior is very simple. The servings are Thai-style spicy and big, the prices are very fair. The restaurant has a lounge area, where you can get cochtails for €6.90 (happy hour 22:00-01:00: €4.90).€3.90-€13.90.

Rossini (Italian), Türkenstraße 76 (Subways U3 & U6: ''Universität''), ☎+49 89 33094270, [33]. M-F 12:00-15:00 & 18:30-00:00, Sa 18:30-00:00, Closed on Sundays. A movie once was dedicated to this restaurant, where the media in-crowd used to meet (then by the name of Romagna Antica, though). The name changed (to the movie's title), but the in-crowd (a litte older and richer than average) still gathers here. The the menue is focused on traditional Italian meat and fish dishes in the upper price range

Tantris (Haute cuisine), Johann-Fichte-Straße 7, [35]. Tu-Sa 12:00-15:00 & 18:30-01:00, closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays. With one of Germany's best chefs at the helm, expect to be impressed with an array of delectable dishes at Tantris. Consistently ranked one of the top five dining establishment in the country, prepare to pay a high price for nouvelle cuisine, but once you have a bite of one of their specialties, you'll be assured that the bill at the end is worth it.

Drink

Bars & Pubs

Barer 47, Barerstraße 47 (Tram 27 & 28: ''Schellingstraße''), ☎+49 89 21897478, [37]. M-Th 18:00-01:00, F-Sa 18:00-03:00, Closed on Sundays. The Barer is a typical students place. It can get very packed at weekends, but the atmosphere is always great and the guys behind the bar are really fast.Beer (0.5L) €2.90, Cocktails €7.

Cafe Kosmos, Dachauerstraße 7 (close to ''Munich Central Station''), ☎+49 89 55295867, [38]. M-F 12:00-01:00, Sa-Su 18:00-03:00. During the day Cafe Kosmos really is a café, but changes into a bar when it gets dark outside. Space is very limited (especially because it gets really full on weekends) and the interior looks as if it were collected at back yard sales. The staff is fluent in several languages, as the guests are a mix of locals and international backpackers from the surrounding hostels.Beer (0.33L) €1.60, Coctails €5.50.

Schwabinger 7, Feilitzschstraße 15 (Subway U3 & U6: ''Münchner Freiheit''), ☎+49 89 348470. Su-Th 20:00-01:00, F-Sa 20:00-03:00. The Schwabinger 7 has a reputation of one of Munich's worst drinking holes (probably not without reason) and one of the best palces to party if music isn't a factor. Due to the low prices, the pub is very popular among students. Fun fact: the pub had to move after 60 years at the same position to make space for a new housing project. After the old building was torn down, workers found and old unexploded World War II bomb underneath it. In a failed attempt to defuse it, the surrounding houses took considerable damage.Beer: €3.

The Shamrock, Trautenwolfstraße 6 (Subways U3 & U6: ''Giselastraße''), ☎+49 89 331081, [39]. Tu-Th 19:00-02:00, F 18:00-04:00, Sa 18:00-04:00, closed on Sundays and Mondays. Atmospheric Irish pub, with live music playing frequently. Fridays and Saturdays tend to get very crowded, with locals wanting to get a taste of the Irish.

Beer Gardens

Augustinerkeller, Arnulfstraße 52 (north-west of ''Munich Central Station''), ☎+49 89 594393, [40]. Daily 10:00-23:00. Although Augustinerkeller beer garden with 5,000 seats is one of the biggest beer gardens in Munich, it still is very relaxed and serves the best beer in Munich. It also was one of the first beer gardens in Munich. When the beer garden closes in winter, the adjoining beer hall still is open.Beer (1L): €7.80.

Aumeister, Sondermeierstraße 1 (Subway U6: ''Studentenstadt''), ☎+49 89 18931420, [41]. Tu-Su 09:00-23:00. Located at the very north end of Englischer Garten, Aumeister is considered to be one of Munich's most beautiful beer gardens. It is a favourite of locals and mostly unknown to tourists. The restaurant on site dates back to 1810 and was originally one of Prince Regent Luitpold's hunting lodges. Large playground on site. It is a 10 minute walk from the Studentenstadt or Freimann stations on the U6 subway line, but the very best way to get there is by bicycle through the park. It offers 2,500 seats.

Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower), Englischer Garten (Subway U3 & U6: ''Universität''), ☎+49 89 38666390. One of the best-known beer gardens in Munich is the Chinesischer Turm in the center of the Englischer Garten. This piece of chinoiserie doesn't seem out of place at all after a few good beers. Oompah bands play from the second story of the pagoda on summer weekends. Offering 7,500 seats Chinesischer Turm is the second biggest beer garden in Munich.Beer (1L): €7.

Hirschau, Gyßlingstraße 15 (Subway U6: ''Dietlindenstraße''), ☎+49 89 3221080, [42]. Daily 11:00-23:00. With a live jazz band playing at weekends, this is not a typical beer garden. The 1,700 seats normally don't get too crowded and that makes Ausmeister a good place to linger over a drink or two.

Löwenbräukeller, Nymphenburgerstraße 2 (Subways U1 & U7: ''Stiglmaierplatz''), ☎+49 89 54726690, [43]. Daily 10:00-00:00. The traditional beer garden with an adjoining beer hall is located in the Maxvorstadt district. It is one of the most famous among foreign travellers. It offers 2,000 seats.

Max Emanuel Brauerei (MaxE), Adalbertstraße 33 (Tram 27 & 28: ''Schellingstraße''), ☎+49 89 2715158, [44]. Daily 11:00-23:00. This hidden beer garden with only 750 seats in the heart of the Maxvorstadt district is very popular among the locals. It's the place, where students and professors of the nearby universities gather to have a few beers and a friendly chat among the shade of chestnut trees.Beer (1L): €7.20.

Seehaus, Kleinhesselohe 3 (Subway U3 & U6: ''Münchner Freiheit''), ☎+49 89 3816130, [45]. Daily 10:00-01:00. A lovely beer garden with 2,500 seats at the shore of a small lake in the center of Englischer Garten. The beer garden and surrounding structures (artistically configured boathouse) were designed by the locally famous architect Gabriel von Seidl in the late 19th century. Enjoy a beer and great Bavarian fast-food on the banks of a lake while boaters drift by.

Wintergarten, Elisabethplatz 4b (Take 27 & 28: ''Elisabethmarkt''), ☎+49 89 27373134, [46]. Daily 10:00-01:00. This is a very small beer garden, where mostly locals go and tourist are virtually unheard of. It has a small playground with swings, a slide and sand close enough for you to be able to watch your kids playing. It is located next to a grouping of market stalls where you can buy fresh and locally produced fruits and vegetables or freshly caught fish. Sometimes live music is played there, which is usually Bavarian music.

Clubs and Discos

Call Me Drella, Maximilianplatz 5 (S-Bahn & Subways U4 & U5: ''Karlsplatz (Stachus)''), ☎+49 174 6119999, [47]. Th-Sa 21:00-06:00. The fancy and a little bit artsy club opened in 2012. There sculptures and paintings on display all over the club and a theater performance is on all night long. The dresscode is either very elegant or in a 1920s costume. You have to be at least 22 old to get in and bring your big wallet with you: you pay €22 at the entrance and the drinks neither come in cheap.Beer (0.33L): €4, Longdrinks: €9.

De Niro, Leopoldstraße 27 (Subways U3 & U6: ''Giselastraße''), ☎+49 171 1119407, [48]. W 22:00-05:30, F-Sa 22:00-05:30. The club was refurbished in 2012 and opened at the center of Schwabing. The music style is varies between RnB and hip-hop. On Saturdays larger groups of guys have a hard time getting beyond the bouncer.Beer (0.33L): €3.50.

La Nuit, Maximilianplatz 16 (S-Bahn & subways U4 & U5: ''Karlsplatz (Stachus)''), ☎+49 172 4884433, [49]. F-Sa 23:00-06:00. La Nuit is a small and exclusive club, where you have a hard time to get in in sneakers. The interior is all balck leather and red columns. The rather younger audience is dancing to hip-hop on Fridays and alternative or electronic music on Saturdays.Beer (0.33L): €4, Longdrins: €8.

Park Café, Sophienstraße 7 (near ''Munich Central Station''), ☎+49 89 51617980, [50]. M-F from 11:00, Sa-Su from 10:00. The Parkcafé is Munich's magnificent "dance temple", situated behind the picturesque Old Botanical Garden. It has a relaxing chill out area in the form of a beer garden (which closes at 23:00). The in-crowd, who appreciates and perpetuates the little refinements of this club, meet here. The bar in the rear is decorated bright red, in front are comfortable sofas and a golden chandelier in the entrance flatters the illustrious guests. The music stretches from black to house music.

Podium, Wagnerstraße 1 (Subways U3 & U6: ''Münchner Freiheit''), ☎+49 89 399482, [51]. Su-Th 20:00-01:00, F-Sa 20:00-03:00. Looking for some live classic rock? This may be your place. Located a block away from the bustling Leopoldstraße/Münchner Freiheit, there's almost always a live rock band on stage - usually playing 60's/70's/80's rock and sometimes you may be fortunate enough to catch some original material. Also there is the occasional live jazz.

Sauna, Marsstraße 22 (100m north of ''Munich Central Station''), ☎+49 170 4712311, [52]. W-Sa 22:00-06:00. The Sauna is a new but already well established club in the local scene. Although it's incredbibly hot in there, the music is 80s and 90s trash, and the interior is subpar, the relaxed atmosphere is a warrantor for a fun night out.

Tumult, Blütenstraße 4 (Tram 27 & 28: ''Schellingstraße''), ☎+49 89 27372463, [53]. Daily 20:00-04:00. Tumult is one of the few (if not the only) underground punk clubs in Munich with according music and patronage.Beer (0.5L): €3.20.

Zum Jennerwein, Belgradstraße 27 (Subway U3: '' Hohenzollernplatz''), ☎+49 89 3087221, [54]. Su-Th 20:00-01:00, Fr-Sa 20:00-03:00. Established in 1962, the Jennerwein hasn't changed much since then. It still has the same interior and also kept the special offer - 3 Jägermeister for a bargain. The music styles vary, with a focus on rock, indie, and alternative (but always far from the mainstream). The club normally is very well frequented.

Sleep

Budget

4You Hostel & Hotel, Hirtenstraße 18 (100 m north of ''Munich Central Station''), [55]. Clean hostel at a very good location near the central station. Included in the price is a breakfast and wireless internet access. The hostel has its own bar and bike rental.from €14 pp.

Hotel-Pension Theresia Regina, Luisenstraße 51 (Subway U2: ''Theresienstraße''), ☎+49 89 521250, [59]. Budget hotel that delivers a clean and comfortable stay. Decor is a bit dated but for the rate and considering the location, it's good value.Double from €52.

Mid-range

Cosmopolitan Hotel, Hohenzollernstraße 5 (Subways U3& U6: ''Münchner Freiheit''), ☎+49 89 383810, [60]. The city hotel is centrally located in the heart of Schwabing at Leopoldstraße, with only a 5 minute walk to the English Garden. The breakfast will be served as a buffet and guests can use the wireless Internet for free.Double from 135.

Hotel Königswache, Steinheilstraße 7 (Subway U2: ''Theresienstraße''), ☎+49 89 5427570, [63]. Small hotel next to the Technical University of Munich, that caters mostly to business travellers and visitors to the nearby university.Double from €99.

NH Deutscher Kaiser, Arnulfstraße 2 (directly north of ''Munich Central Station''), ☎+49 89 54530, [65]. Located at the across the street of the central station, this hotel wins points for location, but is quite a soulless hotel, although the staff is attentive.Double from €95.

Splurge

The Charles Hotel Munich, Sophienstraße 28 (200 m north of ''Munich Central Station''), ☎+49 89 5445550, [66]. The Charles is a new luxury hotel at the Old Botanical Garden and within walking distance to the historic center. If you want to give yourself a treat, like butler service and a spa, and bring big money, that's the place for you.Double from €360.

Contact

Café Netzwerk, Luisenstraße 11 (Subway U2: ''Königsplatz''), ☎+49 89 54832700, [67]. M 11:00-18:00, Tu 11:00-15:00, W-F 11:00-18:00. A stylish internet cafe, where you can rent desktop computers. It normally has a rather young patronage, because the owner focuses on teaching kids how to critically handle the media.